My Turn

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. —Luke 6:38, KJV

One Friday I hurried to run some errands in preparation for the fast-approaching Sabbath. While at a local grocery store, I exchanged pleasant words with a woman in a produce aisle. After I had all I needed in my shopping cart, I headed for the check-out line and noticed the same lady standing directly behind me. As I prepared to pay for my groceries, I felt impressed to pay for her things in addition to mine. I have been praying for more strength to follow divine instructions when they are given. I have found it helps me avoid rationalizing myself out of doing what I have been asked to do and thereby missing the opportunity to stand for Jesus. So I quickly told her I would pay for both of our purchases. When she realized what was happening, she protested, then soon began to thank me. Perhaps only she and God knew what was happening in her life that day and knew her needs. I smiled, feeling warm inside during the exchange and over the next few days whenever it crossed my mind. I felt I had been more blessed than she.

What a privilege it was on that day to touch a life for Christ and pass His blessings along. I wondered about His thoughts while on the cross, yielding His dear life for me and all those who mocked Him that day. Oh, the gratitude that rests in my heart for the marvelous gift of His blood that covers my life day by day.

Later that same day I went to fill my car with gas. After several unsuccessful attempts to use my card, which I knew was good, I asked the attendant for help. He encountered the same problem, so he tried his card to make sure the device was working properly. It was. He paid for my gas. When I asked how I could reimburse him, he said, “You’re good!” as he walked away smiling. Within hours Christ returned to me that which I had given. My trust in our Savior continues to grow as I watch Him at work around me, time and again. I pray I will be faithful when it is my turn to give again. I can hardly wait to thank Him personally for His many gifts to me. I am learning more and more that it truly is “more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35, KJV).

Cherryl A. Galley